Marrakech is one of those magical places that I simply can’t get enough of. The colors, the textures, the food, and the melting pot of cultures make for an amazing recipe for a destination that is unlike no other. The over stimulation of colors and breathtaking scenery only makes me wanting more. I knew I had to include it in my itinerary to Spain, so today I will share a recap of the last few days of our trip to Spain + Morocco:

This is my second time visiting Morocco; our first visit was through a travel agency with a packaged itinerary, which we quickly learned wasn’t for us. We’ve always wanted to come back and experience it on our own, wander through the souks and shop without a tour guide’s recommendations and tourist traps. And boy, did we shop. If you have an inkling that you may be buying a few things while in Morocco, be sure to pay for extra luggage ahead of time with your airline and pack a few foldable dufel bags or nest suitcases).

Summers in Morocco are everything we imagined what the heat of the Saharan desert would be like. It was at least 106 everyday, and air conditioners are a rare commodity, so come in the winter, spring or fall when the temperatures are more friendly. Nevertheless we had a great time, and got back only wanting to visit yet again!

This time we focused on only going to Marrakech and made a point to stay in the Medina so we could walk to the souks. We stayed at Riad Olema, a small 6 suit riad that had been just reopened after a refresh. We spent 4 days in Marrakech this time, which is definitely not enough time to see everything besides the Medina. You should spend at least 2 full days wandering through the souks in the Medina to really see everything if you’re interested in shopping.

Outside of the Medina, we checked out Jardin Majorelle (photos below), which is where Yves Saint-Laurent lived and his resting place that is now open to the public. There’s a beautifully curated boutique across the street called Rue 33 Majorelle. Not Medina prices by any measure, but you won’t find their selection anywhere else.

If you’re not staying at the slurge-worthy La Mamounia, you can buy a day pass to their iconic pools. Spend an afternoon here to cool off after a day at the souks.

Have dinner a Terrasse des Epices so you can have a view from above on sundown, where the Medina starts to bubble over with shoppers, sellers and street music. Their pasty shop, located the at bottom, has the yummiest Moroccan pastries we’ve tried. Our little one enthusiastically approved. :)

Other places to eat:

Le Jardin: a restaurant decorated entirely in green and black, made of Pinterest dreams.